Sabbatical Reflection #5

This morning, I embarked on a journey of quiet contemplation at a chapel monastery, led by Brother Leonardo Petrine. The serenity of the monastery, combined with the profound silence, offered a sanctuary for deep reflection and connection with the divine. Brother Petrine’s gentle presence and wisdom created an atmosphere of peace that permeated the soul.

During our time of silence, Brother Petrine shared a poignant reflection. He spoke of his pinky finger, which had been causing him discomfort. He saw it as a metaphor for our interconnectedness: how each part of the body needs to lean on the others to heal and function properly. His words were a gentle reminder that we, too, need each other to navigate the complexities of life and find wholeness.

After the retreat, our day took an unexpected and delightful turn. What was supposed to be a simple family lunch turned into an extraordinary private meal with Mattio and his mother, Pina, at La Fenice. Mattio had opened the restaurant just for us, and we encouraged them to join us at the table. As we shared a meal, Mattio recounted his incredible 20-year journey through Michelin-starred restaurants and his eventual return to his roots on the hills of Lago Maggiore.

Mattio's story was one of self-discovery and realignment. He spoke of the relentless grind and the realization that his life was out of balance, having lost sight of the essential aspects of life: family and living. His decision to walk away from some of the best kitchens in Europe to return home was a pivotal moment, one that echoed deeply within me. It was a testament to the power of recognizing when it's time to prioritize what truly matters.

As we savored the delicious food and rich conversation, the sounds of American music from the 60s and 70s played softly in the background. One song, in particular, captured the essence of our time together: "Imagine" by John Lennon. While the sociopolitical climate might make some wary of its message, I encourage you to look beyond that. The song’s universal message of mutual respect and love leading to peace is something we can all resonate with.

Yes, John Lennon had Marxist influences, and no, I do not espouse that ideology. My theological education has shown me that many social and economic ideologies reflect some scriptural principles. Marxism strives for a utopian vision reminiscent of Acts 2, where all share and give so none are in need. However, it, like capitalism, socialism, communism,etc…, falls short in representing the fullness of Christian community due to human flaws and the temptations of this world that distract us from the real calling to harmony in Jesus Christ.

Returning to Brother Petrine's reflection, he prayed for his pinky finger to lean on the hand, then the forearm, seeking strength and healing from the whole body. This imagery of interconnectedness reminded me of the world Lennon envisioned in "Imagine"—a world Jesus calls us into. A world where we love one another, come together as a family, and focus on God in our lives. In doing so, we find the strength to say "enough" to the worldly hungers of greed, gluttony, judgement, and envy. We can look to our left and right, acknowledging our need for one another, and open ourselves to learning about each other's thoughts and feelings. We can stop running from one another because of fear and stubbornness and run to one another with no other expectation then the call to love. 

As we ended our meal and conversation, I was filled with a sense of peace and gratitude. It was a day that reminded me of the beauty of connection, the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, and the call to live out the love of Christ in our daily lives.

In closing, I leave you with the prayer of St. Francis, a timeless reminder of our call to be instruments of peace:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.